Found body is likely scientist abducted in Mali in 2011

PARIS - A body found in northern Mali is probably that of French geologist Philippe Verdon, who was taken hostage in November 2011, France's Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

PARIS —A body found in northern Mali is probably that of French geologist Philippe Verdon, who was taken hostage in November 2011, France’s Foreign Ministry said yesterday.

President Francois Hollande had said in his Bastille Day speech yesterday that it was possible Verdon had died several weeks ago, but his death was not officially confirmed.

Citing an unnamed source, Radio France Internationale said earlier yesterday that DNA checks had shown that the body found in the north of Mali was that of Verdon. The report said the body will be repatriated to France within days.

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